L’Oreal is currently one of the leading brands in the market be it for hair care, makeup or skin care. Since I take care of my hair a tad bit more than my skin I was eyeing for a good hair masque after all, some extra care for your hair wouldn’t do any harm. As mentioned earlier L’Oreal is widely known for its hair care range so it only seemed fair that I bought the masque from their Total Repair 5 Range. Continue reading, to know my views on the product and how I use it.
The packaging of the product is somewhat similar to other products of the total repair 5 range apart from the fact that this hair masque comes in a tub. I personally would have preferred a tube or a bottle instead of the tub since, that ensures hygienic application. Otherwise, the packaging would have scored a perfect 10 for; the red colored cap along with the white colored tub which has white and golden detailing is extremely eye catching.
The tub is quite sturdy and leak proof so that you can carry it around while travelling. If you are carrying this in your travel bag or, for that matter if you are using it at home on towel dried hair you can most definitely skip your conditioner since it does condition the hair. There is not one specific way by which I use this product but, multiple ways which include using it as a mask before washing my hair, using it as a conditioner on towel dried hair after washing it. When used as a conditioner I leave it on for a good 5 minutes and then rinse it off with water. At times when my hair is feeling especially dry I take a pea sized amount of the product and use it as a leave-in conditioner. I have an oily scalp with slightly dry ends so I use this mask only at the ends but people with dry hair can go all out and use it onto their scalp as well as the ends. All of this being said, make sure that you use this mask not more than twice a week because the alcohol present in the ingredient list can be a bit drying.
The white colored mask has a pleasant fragrance which stays on the hair for 1-2 days after the wash. The texture as well as the working action is exactly similar to a conditioner and I see no reason why someone should pay extra amount of money for something that is no different from a conditioner. I, in particular had high expectations from the mask but it did nothing extraordinary apart from the general conditioning. The brand claims to help fight 5 signs of hair damage but even with regular usage I did not find any major difference in my hair. It does nothing to improve the hair texture, strength, shine and growth. This is one of the few products that I regret buying since it doesn’t live up to the expectations and is not cost-effective.
Pros:
Availability
Conditions hair
Travel-friendly packaging
Can be used in multiple ways
Pleasant fragrance
Cons:
Doesn’t help fight the 5 signs of hair damage
Heavy on the pocket
Can a bit drying coz of alcohol
Rating: 2/5
Final word
I wouldn’t recommend this mask to anyone and for the people who really are eager to try out the product can just try the conditioner from this range and that in itself would give similar results in spite of shelling out less money.
Editor’s Note: Sounds ok. Though I feel it’s not very expensive, coz all hair masques in the market are priced around the same.
Have you tried the L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Hair Masque? What do you think?
Having a flat and taut tummy is one such accessory that grabs eyeballs instantly. Be it a figure-hugging one-piece or the graceful 9-yards (read: saree), a flat tummy is the ideal finishing touch to any attire. Not only does it manifest that one takes her body and its appearance seriously but also is a mark of proper upkeep. Keeping in mind that life these days is fraught with stress and unhealthy diet (envisage as many insalubrious food items you stoked in to your system right now… Yes, I know guilt would be knocking you down now), here is a brief rundown of 7 easy exercises that you can incorporate in your daily fitness regimen to kick that flab off your body!
1. CRUNCHES– Crunches help one tone and tighten the muscles in the stomach and you do not need any sophisticated equipment to get going too! Just flat on the ground and wake up- it is as simple as that. However, the key is to wake up while keeping your entire body (from your head to the waist) straight (as if in a line) and focus on an object (say the ceiling). DO NOT bend your head/neck. It will undermine your entire posture. 15 reps is a good enough number for a novice.
2. SIDE PLANKS- Planks are one of the best exercises for a flat, toned stomach because they work on all the muscles in your core. To do so, all you need to do is, lie on your left side with your knees straight. Raise your body up on your left elbow and forearm, feet stacked. Raise your hips until your body forms a straight line from your ankles to your shoulders. Hold this position for half a minute. That’s one rep. 10 reps are good for a beginner. Increase the frequency and duration as you get habituated with it.
3. MOGUL JUMP- Mogul jumps give one’s hips, abs and back muscles a strenuous workout which helps one kick fat promptly. To perform the Mogul jump, raise your knees a few inches off the floor while keeping your hands and feet in their position. Make a jumping movement, shifting your feet to the left. Then, similarly jump them to the right. During this ensure that your feet stay together.
4. BURPEES- Burpees set a lot of muscles to work in our body which helps one lose fat from the belly swiftly. To do this exercise, stand up straight with your legs apart about shoulder-width. Start lowering your body till your palms lie flat on the floor, the same width apart as your legs. Kick your legs out from under you in backward direction so you are in a position to perform push-ups. Do a single push up and pull your legs back. Then, stand back up with a jump, and repeat the whole exercise. That’s it, wasn’t it cushy?
5. ELBOW PLANK- The elbow plank is a slight variation of the simple plank. All you need to do is now balance on the part of your hand extending from the elbows to the fingers. Do not let your hips or abdomen droop. Hold the position for half a minute and there goes one rep!
6. THE V-HOLD- The simplest of all the exercises so far- the V-Hold requires you to lie down on your back while placing your hands under your butt for leverage. Lift back and legs off ground. Hold “V” position for 15 to 30 seconds.
7. THE WINDMILL EXERCISE- The windmill exercise targets the oblique(meaning side) abs. To perform it, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold a kettle-bell (any bearable weight) in your left hand. bring the weight onto your left shoulder and press it overhead. While you rotate your chest to the left, you need to look at your kettle-bell (or any weight that you may have opted for) as you reach your right foot with your right hand. Pause for half a minute and revert to your former self. You have perfected the exercise, lady!
DIY At Home Facial with R.K’s Aroma Moringa Facial Kit
Hi guys,
So I did a facial yesterday at home and recorded it for my YouTube channel, I used this R.K’s Aroma Moringa Facial Kit and hence I thought of reviewing it here too and showing you guys the video..
What is Moringa? The super plant Moringa is native to Africa and Asia, and is widespread among the lush, green foothills of the Himalayas. It belongs to the Moringaceae family, and derives its name from the Malayalam word, ‘Muringa’. Its leaves, pods, fruits, flowers and bark are all abundant in restoratory and healing properties, making it a powerhouse of nutrients and anti-oxidants; a bounteous natural agent, generous with its benefits, truly worthy of the moniker ‘miracle tree’.
Benefits of Moringa: Moringa is rich in vitamins C and E, and contains over 30 different natural anti-oxidants, minerals, phytonutrients and natural anti-inflammatory agents that gently soothe the skin. Perfect for everyday use, Moringa prevents the onset of blackheads, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and protects from sun burn and minor skin infections. It softly cleanses the skin without robbing it of its natural radiance, while its anti-ageing properties rejuvenate and bring it to life.
Directions:
1. Clean the face with Moringa Cleansing Lotion to cleanse and minimize the pores.
2. Apply Exfoliating Scrub and gently massage for 5-7 minutes for skin exfoliation. Clean the face with wet cotton. Steam your face for 2-5 minutes.
3. Now take Moringa Cream approximately 3-4gms and add 2-3 drops of Moringa oil and massage for 10-15 minutes. Wipe off the excessive cream with cotton or tissue.
4. Apply Moringa Gel and massage for 5-8 minutes and wipe off the excess.
5. Apply Moringa Mask by mixing it with required amount of water, keep it for 5-10 minutes until it dries off and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
6. Complete your facial by applying Moringa moisturizing lotion.
First off this range smells absolutely amazing, Moringa skincare range is available in many brands and you have must have seen/heard of it before. Even The Body Shop has a Moringa Range.
This pack contains 7 sachets of Cleanser, Scrub, Massage Cream, Oil, Gel, Mask and Moisturizing Lotion. Though it’s a one time use kit, the quantity is enough for two people to use together but you have to use it at the same time since once opened, it is difficult to store sachets.
You can do it with your BFF or your mom or sibling, you can do the facial on each other. Make sure you have no rings, watches, etc., and your hands are bare.
The cleanser is milky white and takes off your basic makeup and cleanses your pores. The scrub is super creamy and glides on the skin really well, the exfoliating beads are not that gritty and feel very comfortable. This scrub would work even for sensitive skin.
I took a steam for about 3-4 minutes and then went ahead with the massage.
You have to mix the massage cream and moringa oil together and then massage it all over your face for about 10-15 minutes. Now this is the main part in any facial. Concentrating on pressure points and going with outward strokes to drain lymphatic fluids from your face and skin. If you are someone who has a bloated face, under eye bags, etc., you have a lot of lymphatic fluids which are not drained properly and a good massage definitely helps in draining those out. Plus boosts your circulation and gives your skin a nice flush and glow.
This is followed by the moringa gel which is again massaged for about 5 minutes. It’s a semi-transparent gel and again glides on the skin really well for a good massage.
Then comes the face mask. It’s in powder form, so needs to be mixed with water and applied evenly all over the face. I kept it for about 10-15 minutes and washed it off.
At last, the moisturizing lotion to complete the facial.
I absolutely loved the results! My skin was so soft, smooth, supple and hydrated. The redness I had before the facial, was all gone in 2-3 hours and it was soothed. Facial results are best seen the next day and my skin is glowing today! If you follow me on Snapchat (bhumika_t), you must have already seen my #NoFilter #NoMakeup bare face selfies and how I am loving my skin!
It also did help in getting rid of a little tan. Overall skin is more brighter and glowing. I definitely suggest checking R.K’s Aroma products and especially this new launch, the Moringa Facial Kit. Many of their products are available on Amazon and I have linked them above.
Pic the next morning..
Usually the skin is a little red on the same day of the facial, but the actual results are seen the next day. I am so loving my skin right now!
Few pointers before any facial:
If you have undergone bleach or any face treatment, do not try this for at least 4-5 days
Use a sunscreen if you are stepping out after this facial, as your skin might be a little photo sensitive
Do not use a face wash for one day, you can wash your face with normal water. You can use a face wash the next day
Since all essential oils do not suit everyone, it’s better if you do a patch test on your chin or jaw line first.
All R.K’s Aroma products are pH tested and suitable for sensitive skin. I am a big fan of aromatherapy oils and products and having talked to the owner, I am so curious to try more of their products. They have about 30000 products and the owner Mr. Prakash Shivdasani himself is a chemist and makes these formulations.
Also I am giving away two of these kits to two winners on my YouTube channel, so join HERE.
Have you tried any R.K’s Aroma products/facial kits?
Kerala Travel Diaries- Places to Visit, Things To Do
By Sanchita
Introduction –
Kerala, is popularly known as ‘Gods Own Country’, blessed with a scenic beauty of green landscape, a mélange of beautiful beaches, the serene backwaters and a tradition to speak for. It is considered one of the best tourist destinations in India and truly a beautiful one. Dotted with the stunning beaches along the Malabar Coast to the fantastic verdant hillside tea gardens in Munnar, the amalgamation of rich cultures, traditions and folk dances, a land of elephants and the unique local cuisine – Kerala has it all. Kerala is a narrow strip of land with Arabian Sea on one side and Western Ghats on the other side. This place is gifted to receive the monsoon showers first in the city and thus the growth of lush greenery with its radiance and rich fertile soil has also made the land extremely cultivable. Let us see in details about the must visit places in Kerala as well the things to do when you visit the Gods Own Country.
1. Backwaters of Kerala – You want a romantic and serene destination with your partner? Or, a quiet and peaceful experience for a holiday with the family? The backwaters of Kerala is the most tranquil and relaxing place that you have to visit. The sunset along with the incandescent changes in the sky and experiencing that from a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala canals is the best moment one can have. Also, the delicious Indian food and chilled beer on board the boat make the experience even more gratifying.
2. Tea gardens in Munnar – Munnar is the famous hill station in Kerala situated at the confluence of the three rivers Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. Another must visit place in Kerala is the Tea Gardens of Munnar. This place is well-known for its extensive tea plantations where tea is being picked and processed, and you can also try fresh tea straight from the gardens. The land is truly a blessed beauty with winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. If you are an adventurer, try the trekking to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India or go rock climbing and para gliding.
3. Athirapally Falls (Athirapally) – Athirappilly Falls, known as the largest waterfall in Kerala, is situated in Athirappilly panchayath, Chalakudy Taluk in of Thrissur district. It stands tall at 80 feet. And just a short drive from Athirapally, the Vazhachal waterfall is close to lush green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. The wild beauty is just as fascinating as enchanting over there.
4. Varkala Beach – Considered to be one of the best beaches of India, the amazing picturesque Varkala beach provides a relatively peaceful alternative to the now commercialized Kovalam. The long stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea is simply breathtaking. There is a paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, dotted by coconut palms, beach shacks, hotels. Do not miss the uninterrupted view of the sun as it slowly sinks down the horizon.
5. Folklore Museum (Kochi) – If you are a history lover, you have to visit the Folklore Museum in Kochi. It has been built in true Keralan style from ancient temples and beautiful old houses. It includes over 4000 artefacts and covers three architectural styles: Malabar on the ground-floor, Kochi on the 1st, Travancore on the 2nd. Upstairs is a beautiful wood-lined theatre, with a 17th-century wooden ceiling. The Museum is a treasure trove that showcases the rich heritage of Kerala through its numerous art and dance forms.
6. Kovalam Beach (Kovalam) – this is another top rated beaches in India and one of the prominent feature of the Kerala Tourism. The relaxing sun, the Ayurvedic treatments and powerful strong deep massage on the shacks along with the local cuisine is the best thing to ask for. The crescent shaped beach has a light house on its southern side, which provides an excellent view of the city especially the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. Kovalam which is derived from coconut trees is 16 kms away from Trivandrum. The rocky formations amalgams with the calm blue bay to turn the bay into a special aquarelle on moonlit evenings.
7. Vadakkunnathan Temple – The ancient temple with unique architecture – Vadakkunnathan Temple has been declared as a national monument by the Indian government, under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kerala, situated in the heart of Thrissur city and the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Vadakkumnathan temple was built by Parashurama. The temple exhibits the classic architectural style of Kerala. The interior of the temple is beautifully decorated with murals depicting the episodes from Mahabharata.
8. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) – the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is one of the popular wild life sanctuary preserving various species of animals including elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs and the very rare lion tailed macaques. The amazing cenic beauty along with its wildlife has been attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world for years and thus considered as one of the must visited place of Kerala. Take a boat trip to Thekkady Lake to experience it like never before.
9. Mattancherry Palace – Built by the Portuguese in the year 1557, Mattancherry Palace was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. It is a Bhagavathi Temple in the central courtyard is built like the characteristic Kerala style mansion – the Nalukettu – the home of the aristocracy, nobleness and upper classes, with four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard. It has the view of the panoramic Kochi backwaters and the gorgeous collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. There are some display of royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.
10. Padmanabhaswamy Temple – the richest Hindu temple in the world, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram and is built in an intricate fusion of the indigenous Kerala style and the Dravidian style of architecture associated with the temples located in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century Gopuram. It is In terms of assets gold and precious stones, it is by far the wealthiest institution and place of worship of any kind in the recorded history of the world, with an estimated $22 billion worth of gold and jewels stored in underground vaults. However it is said that only 5 of the 6 underground vaults had been opened and explored.
Things to do in Kerala –
To have a look at the lush green landscape, take a house boat in Alleppey to travel through the tranquil backwaters is just as amazing as it is made out to be.
Visit the Eravikulam National Park because of Neelakurinji, which blooms once in 12 years and this rare view is a fascinating experience.
You can also having a nice trekking experience to the peak of the hill and get to see the Nigiri Thar, an endangered mountain goat.
Go for a Shikara rides in Alappuzha which has to offer some stunning views of the backwaters and the array of beautiful birds along with the nurturing of nature.
Watch the Colorful Snake Boat races during Onam festival in Alappuzha, Kerala which is held from July to September particularly during Onam festival.
Kerala is famous for spices. Visit the spice plantations or gardens in Munnar, Thekkady or Wayanad and experience some authentic black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and the exotic vanilla and explore the farms on a nature walk.
Stay at a coffee plantation resort or homestay and it would include all the activities like trekking, night safaris, camp fire and plantation walks.
Watch Theyyam, a dance form staged in various temples of North Kerala, usually in front of the village shrine.
Culture –
The culture of Kerala is a fusion of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, advanced and mixed for centuries, under inspirations from other parts of India and abroad. It is well-defined by its antiquity, relic and the organic continuity sustained by the Malayali people. Any time you visit Kerala, most likely there will be at least one local festival you can experience. Kerala trace its non-prehistoric cultural genesis to its membership (around the AD 3rd century) in a vaguely defined historical region known as Thamizhagom — a land defined by a common Tamil culture and encompassing the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. Kerala has an opulent cultural heritage with its diverse ethos is influenced by three main religions of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Exquisite sculptures, music and dance forms can be seen in the historic growth of Kerala’s cultural traditions. Trissur Pooram, The traditions of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are highly developed art forms that have established from their folk origins into highly evolved classical dance forms.
Cuisine –
Kerala is known as the “Land of Spices” and have a unique culinary experience, thanks to its wide variety of spices. The cuisine offers a crowd of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared using fish, poultry and red meat with rice a typical supplement. Food is customarily served on a banana leaf and almost every dish has coconut and spices added for flavor, giving its cuisine a sharp spiciness that is heightened with the use of tamarind.Seafood is the main diet in coastal Kerala, whereas vegetables are the main diet on the plains. Meat is served as the main course in tribal and northern Kerala. Dishes range from simple ‘kanji’ (rice gruel) to extravagant feasts or ‘sadyas’.
Conclusion –
Thus, there are a million reasons to visit Kerala. From the serene view of beaches to the lush greenery, relaxing backwater and hills amalgamated with rich heritage of the land true makes it God’s own country. Unique culinary experiences combined with Land of Ayurvedha and Spices, Kerala is a must visit for everyone.
Editor’s Note: I absolutely loved this post Sanchita, so detailed! Kerala is also in my bucket list
Image Source: Google
Have you been to Kerala? If not, after reading this, I am sure you want to 😀
This is more of a personal post. Recently I came across Lava Mobiles and they claim they put their mobiles to rigorous tests and it is one device that will never let you down come what may. I was thinking we all have that one person is life who we know for sure will never let us down.
For me, that person has to be my mom. Things have changed a lot post my marriage, but I was completely dependent on her earlier. From finding my things to being my shopping partner to comforting me when I am unwell, she would even guess the things I feel like eating and gets them before I even mention it. It’s so surprising but maybe when they say moms know it all, it indeed is true. She always knew when I have cried even though I didn’t cry in front of her.
I have become a little more responsible now since I live alone post my marriage (had no other option :p) but even today, my mom is always there for me. And she will come to help me whenever I am stranded.
I dedicate this post to my mom as I depend on her completely and unconditionally. I don’t know about 2 am friends since all my friends are married and busy with their lives now, but my mom is surely that 2 am person in my life.
Lava Mobiles symbolise trust, reliability and strength. For me, my mom is the person I can trust and rely on 100%. And no one can beat my mom when it comes to strength, she was so strong and composed even when I met with my accident. She was by my side the entire time and she took complete care of me those 40-45 days. I couldn’t stand or sit and was only supposed to lie straight and she did everything for me. She even took me to the Physiotherapist daily as I needed support to walk when I just started walking, it was only because of her love and care, that I recovered quickly.
I don’t think there can be any other person in my life who can replace her. I am what I am, only because of my mom.
Who is the person in your life that #NeverLetsYouDown?
They are trendy. They are chic. They are comfy. They can simply never go out of vogue given the myriad ways in which they come be it- long, short or pencil. No matter how old or young you are, there is an innate desire to swaddle oneself into one. It makes one ‘feel’ feminine and unlike most figure-hugging outfits which stick to one’s body and discomfit us especially during sweltering summers, they eliminate this woe altogether thanks to their design. Able to surmise which piece of clothing am I talking about? No? It’s none other than S-K- I-R- T-S 😀
With B-town ladies donning skirts for long in myriad designs, colours and styles, why not have a look at those ladies who nail skirts like no other? 🙂
1. DEEPIKA PADUKONE– The darling Deepika’s body can hardly not do justice to any attire. Be it figure-hugging one-piece dresses or ethnic lehengas, Deepika brings her own charm to the attire she swaddles herself in. Here Deepika is seen wearing a shift skirt by Nimish Shah and Furla heels. She wore a pinkish lip colour and chunky golden studs with the outfit. Her outfit has always been easy-breezy and this look is no different. Impeccable for summers, isn’t it?
2. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN- The Begum of Pataudi looks drop-dead gorgeous in this attire. She has donned a Carven top and DVF pencil skirt that accentuate her curves very well. Add to that, her radiant skin and luscious locks and we have a look that is going to be aped for long.
3. PRIYANKA CHOPRA- The stunning Priyanka Chopra sets temperatures soaring with this mini leather skirt and heels paired with a checked tee as she launched the cover of a fashion magazine, which features her. Trendy and sizzling simultaneously, isn’t it?
4. JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ- This Sri Lankan beauty opted for a striped flared Giorgio Armani maxi skirt paired with white top as she promoted her then impending flick- Kick. With her hair let loose and a million dollar smile, Jacqueline stole the show.
5. GENELIA D’SOUZA- If smiles could kill, she’d be accused of a serial-killer. Inarguably the lady with those most dazzling smile in Tinseltown, Genelia looks every guy’s dream girl in this short green miniskirt that she has teamed with a tank top and jacket. Sneakers complete the look that is the epitome of freshness, innocence and cuteness 🙂 Cuteness personified, indeed!
Editor’s Note: Yes Nidhal, all indeed look great. I absolutely loved Jacqueline’s skirt!
If you remember I reviewed the OPPO F1 phone before, see HERE. They had announced the launch of F1 Plus at the same event, but the official launch happened on 6th April at Hotel Lalit in Delhi. I had gone to Delhi for the event for a day. See the entire vlog and event details in my vlog below, Yuvraj Singh was also present at the event 😀 He came even with his ankle injury!
Anyhoo, coming back to the phone, OPPO F1 Plus. I am obviously no tech expert, so would not be reviewing from that point of view, though I am a tech and gadget freak! Also being a blogger, I am present on every social media channel on earth and use my phone 24/7 for everything from clicking pictures to updating you guys on social channels, replying to mails, etc. The best part of this phone is obviously the front camera, as the name goes ‘Selfie Expert’. The front cam is 16MP,f/2.0 which allows four times more light compared to other smartphones.
Price: INR 26,990/-
Colors Available: Gold and Rose Gold
I have been using the phone ever since the event and it’s been quite some time now, so it’s the perfect time to review it. To start with, it’s very light weight (only 145g) though standard 5.5 inches, you do not feel this phone at all even in your pocket.
I have the Color Gold which I like a little more than Rose Gold, coz of the deep matte gold finish. Also it is super comfortable to hold and ergonomically designed to fit in your hands.
The thick Corning Gorilla Glass 4 does not need a scratch guard. I bought one and when I was just about to place it, I realized this phone doesn’t need one. The glass is super thick and scratch resistant, I did not feel adding another layer was required.
It has it’s own Operating System Color OS 3.0 and the Lollipop version of Android, it is pretty smooth and fast untill now, quite impressed with the OS. I have always been on Android and can safely say, this OS is quite good.
It has 64GB internal memory which is expandable externally upto 128GB, there are very few phones in the market offering that! The 4GB RAM is sufficient and the phone never lagged even once, though I am not a gaming person, so did not try that. For me, I have 10-15 apps working all the time, and none stopped responding at any time.
I have always been using a dual sim phone and that is my priority when I have to select a phone for myself. I am so glad this is dual sim with both being 4G enabled.
Specs
Other notable features are fingerprint scanner, WiFi Direct, fast battery VOOC Flash charging, etc.
Coming to the main part and my favourite, the camera! It has 13MP rear camera with f/2.2 with auto focus, face detection and even Beauty and Panaroma features. The Beautify 4.0 brightens the skin and removes all blemishes, so without makeup, it gives a made up look 😀 I love the Ultra HD mode which gives super crisp and bright pictures and the GIF creator which is super fun! GIF creator option is also available for the front camera. It also has a range of inbuilt filters which lets you select a filter even before clicking a picture! My favourites are ‘Elegant’ and ‘British’. The rear camera also has an ‘Expert Mode‘ which lets you control the ISO and exposure, so even if you are a pro photographer, this will give you the freedom to work your way.
Beautify 4.0
The 16MP front camera has wide f/2.0 lens which allows more light in pictures coz of it’s unique sensor technology, so now you get bright selfies even in low light and during night time. And now fit in all your friends in a selfie with the amazing ‘Selfie Panaroma’ feature 😀 The ISOCELL technology reduces the noise in selfies, giving you super clear and sharp selfies. My favourite feature though is ‘Double Exposure‘ which helps you click two pictures in motion and combines them into one. I haven’t found a subject yet to use that, but I will be using it soon and would be posting it on my Instagram, so follow me there 😀
It also captures videos at 1080p@30fps, I would be using it for my vlogs too. Also love the ‘Time Lapse‘ feature! I am clearly bowled by the camera features.
I also compared it to Samsung Galaxy A7. It looks quite similar, weighs almost the same and the specifications and features too are similar. The Samsung A7 Operating System is so slow and it was a pain to use comparatively. It runs on Kitkat which is upgradable to Lollipop. I am not sure what exactly is the problem, but you need real patience to use Samsung A7.
Rear Camera L- Clicked with OPPO R- Clicked with SamsungFront Cam L- OPPO R- Samsung
I have also compared the selfies and pics taken with both the phones. Samsung camera is pretty sharp too and love the clear pictures, but in terms of catching the true colours, OPPO F1 Plus is the clear winner.
OPPO F1 Plus has all the features and specifications that of iPhone6, some even better and at half the price! I totally recommend checking out OPPO F1 Plus, see more HERE
What do you think of the new OPPO F1 Plus Selfie Expert Phone?
All About my Kasauli & Mashobra Trip/How to Plan, What to Cover, etc.
Hey guys,
So I wanted to include my vlog in this post and hence the delay to upload this post. I finally edited and uploaded my vlog, it’s a long one! 25 minutes long and snippets from all 4 days.
We had not planned on the destination and had only booked Delhi tickets in Dec, so in mid March, we finally zeroed on Kasauli and Mashobra and did the train tickets’ booking, etc.
If you directly plan to go to Kasauli or Mashobra/Shimla, Chandigarh airport is the nearest and best. Of course, then it’s a long journey by road, but for us both ways we had to take a train till/from Kalka as we had the Delhi tickets. You can also take a direct Volvo bus from Delhi but I was not comfortable with that long bus journey. We went by Delhi Kalka Shatabdi train which was superb, they have all the facilities like that of a flight. Food, water, tea, cleanliness, everything was followed well.
At first we went to Kasauli which is 40kms from Kalka station, so we had booked a cab from Kalka station. We were staying at Kasauli Regency which is a very nice place to stay. The rooms are small but the food is excellent and the service is good. We went to Dharampur the next day to see Manki Point, Kasauli Church, Kasauli Market, Sunset Point and pretty much everything in and around Kasauli.
The hotel had a rooftop breakfast and dining place which was beautiful in the morning, though unbearably cold at night. I loved having breakfast there though.
Next day we had to leave for Mashobra, so we took a train from Dharampur to Shimla. Now Shimla only has mono gauge rail i.e only a toy train can go to Shimla station. The other routes to reach Shimla is by road. But the Shivalik Express has a beautiful view and needs to be experienced once in life, which we obviously didn’t want to miss. So we went till Shimla in Shivalik Express, the train came late, runs slow and it took us about 4.5 hours to reach Shimla.
Shimla fortunately has Olacabs, so travelling there shouldn’t be difficult. We were staying at Mashobra, which is a little far from Shimla and within Mashobra too, our hotel was 3.5 km deeper inside! Well, travelling to and fro was difficult, but when you see this hotel, you will not regret a bit! We were staying at Mahasu House which is one of the best hotels I have been to, in India. What is different, you ask?! The view! It is to die for. I would literally spend my time gazing out from the window and the lawn. We even had breakfast with that beautiful view in front, it was heavenly.
The food and service is also amazing, the rooms are huge and comfortable. It was really cold there, especially during nights. They have centralized heating and also bed warmers below the mattress which was a huge relief!
Next day we went to Kufri. Started with Hip Hip Hurray Adventure Sports Resort in Kufri, it had some fun activities. I bought some jams and preserves from Fruit Bageecha Kiosk there. Post which we went to the Kufri peak and the only way to reach there was on mountain horses. The climb is steep and about 2kms but the road is full of mud and stones. And at last, we roamed a bit in Shimla from Mall Road to The Ridge and later came back to the hotel. On the way, we even went to Shivalik’s Factory and got a few more jams and plum juice,etc.
We had to leave early morning the next day as we had a 10.40am train from Kalka to Delhi and then flight at night.
It was a short trip but we pretty much covered everything that we had to. I would only wish a day more at Mashobra and at Mahasu House coz the property is mind blowing.
It was ranked above Club Mahindra and the 2nd best property in Mashobra and now I know why. If you plan to go to Shimla, I would highly recommend staying at Mahasu House coz it as an experience not to be missed. I truly felt I was in heaven and was very grateful that I could experience this in my lifetime.
You will see everything in my vlog, if you have any doubts or queries regarding Kasauli, Dharampur, Shimla or Mashobra, you can ask me in the comments below or even email me. I would be happy to help 🙂
If you remember, I have reviewed the Clean & Clear Foaming Face wash earlier, read HERE. It is one of the most handy and economically priced face wash for oily skin in the market currently. I love how it foams and deep cleanses, getting rid of all the dirt and oil from the pores.
When you use it after a long, tiring day, you can feel the dirt and oil getting cleansed giving you an instant refreshing feeling.
When you have oily or muddy face, you don’t feel confident and at the same time the fear of the dirt and oil getting accumulated in your pores, resulting in clogged pores and acne.
Clean & Clear recognizes that it takes courage to be your real self. It removes dirt, oil, fear and doubt with every wash so that you feel happy in your own skin and have the courage to let people see the real you, whoever you are today.
With Clean & Clear Foaming Face wash and it’s 8 hour long oil controlling ability, you can now get the assurance that you are indeed ready for whatever the day may bring. A cleanser for oily skin is one of the first and very important step to control oily skin.
No one likes the oily, chip chip feeling on the face. And when you are out whole day, one doesn’t have the time to blot the face time and again or keep checking if your face is too shiny.
Wash away your fears and worries about oily skin with Foaming Face Wash. Its 8 hour oil control ensures you see your oil-free real self in the mirror/reflections through the day. So you can be always ready to be the real you.
It definitely keeps oil and shine at bay, for me. When I have a long day out, I always use this and make sure I carry it along with me all the time. You can always keep one in your hand bag, you never know when you might need it 😀 For instance, it may be a stay over at a friend’s place after a long night of partying or an after party from college or work, anytime, anywhere. I love the fact that it is handy and it comes in a smaller 20ml and 50ml bottles too. I don’t worry about my face being shiny or oily when I use this, I know I can #BeAlwaysReady with the Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash.
Clean & Clear has come up with the #BeAlwaysReady contest on Facebook with the Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash, where you can win amazing hampers and the Mega Gratification is that you can be the face of Clean & Clear! Yes, the face of the brand, you read the right.
The dry and cold weather during the winter months tend to strip your hair of moisture. As a result, your tresses look dull, frizzy, and lifeless. Dry hair is more prone to breakage and develops split ends. Hence, it is important to nourish and condition your hair. The right kind of conditioning treatments during the winters would help to lock in moisture content in the hair shafts, thereby making your hair soft and manageable. Check out the top 5 natural hair conditioning treatments that are not only simple but also effective.
1. BANANA NOURISHING HAIR TREATMENT: Put a ripe banana, 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of honey in a blender. Blend well and apply this rich concoction on your hair shafts. Olive oil is one of the best known natural moisturizers while honey is a natural humectant. Banana helps minimize contraction while nourishing your hair thoroughly. After 30 minutes, wash it off. Be patient while washing, as banana tends to stick to your hair. Do it once a week for best results.
2. WHOLESOME EGG TREATMENT: Whisk an egg, 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise and a cup of plain yogurt in a bowl and apply the mixture liberally on your hair strands. The natural proteins and vitamins present in egg works wonders in strengthening the hair follicles and bringing about significant reduction in dryness. Yogurt makes hair soft while mayonnaise moisturises your hair. Wait for 45 minutes post application and rinse thoroughly with trepid water and shampoo. This homemade hair treatment can be done twice every week.
3. AVOCADO PROTEIN HAIR TREATMENT: Avocado is a rich storehouse of natural proteins and oils. Mash an avocado and add 5 to 6 drops of peppermint oil. Shampoo your hair, squeeze the water out and apply this mask. Wait for about 20 minutes and rinse well. Hair feels soft, smooth and hydrated.
4. CLASSIC MILK AND HONEY TREATMENT: It is pretty easy to prepare this classic hair mask. Mix two tablespoons of honey to a cup of whole milk and apply this natural hair potion along the length of your hair. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and rinse well. This mask strengthens your hair, moisturises it and rejuvenates dry hair. Do this treatment twice every week to see amazing results.
5. HOT OIL TREATMENT: The homemade hot oil treatment has stood the test of time. Warm up any natural oil of your choice and massage your hair and scalp well. You could use olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil. You may even love to blend two oils in equal amounts and then, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for extra benefits. Follow up with turban therapy and then shampoo. Hair feels soft, moisturized and well-nourished.
Isn’t t easy to attain gorgeous locks just by following a few homemade hair care treatments? Opt for these DIY conditioners and get beautiful and nourished hair, naturally!
Editor’s Note: I so agree with Hot Oil one. I am going to try a few of these for sure, especially milk and honey 🙂 Nice post Somreeta
P.S: Images from Google
Do you follow these at home DIY’s for Deep Conditioning your hair?
